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Field reports: Minnesota elk hunt applications open

Minnesota hunters have until June 13 to apply for one of nine elk licenses offered this year by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Hunters interested in applying for a license can find maps of the two hunting zones and other pertinent information on the DNR website at mndnr.gov/hunting/elk. Elk licenses will be available in Kittson County’s central and northeast zones, while the Grygla area will be closed to enable that area’s elk population to rebuild to goal levels.

Apply at any DNR license agent, online at mndnr.gov/buyalicense or by telephone at (888) 665-4236. Hunters may apply individually or in parties of two.

Check out BOW courses

Minnesota offers more Becoming an Outdoor Woman programs than any other state in the nation, with more than 100 family and women-specific offerings, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. Classes are offered in a range of outdoors skills, from Fishing 101 to guided sturgeon fishing adventure trips, firearms safety classes and mentored archery deer hunts. For a list of upcoming classes and events, see dnr.state.mn.us/

education/bow/calendar.html.

Wisconsin northern muskie season to open

Wisconsin’s northern zone muskie season opens Saturday .

“We had a late ice out but it’s warming up quickly,” says Steve Avelallemant, Department of Natural Resources northern district fisheries supervisor. “I think it will be a pretty normal opening. Spawning will be a little bit behind but not weeks behind.”

The number of 45-plus-inch fish registered by Muskies Inc., members, and the size of the largest fish caught by participants in the National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River, Wis., have been increasing over the past 20 years, said Tim Simonson, chair of the DNR’s muskie committee.

Free fun in Wisconsin

On June 7-8, Wisconsin residents and visitors can enjoy some of the country’s best outdoor recreation for free. That weekend, people can fish for free anywhere in Wisconsin (including Lake Superior), hike or bike state trails for free, ride public ATV trails (open to ATV riding) for free and, new this year, enjoy free admission to state parks and forests on both days.